SHAK Makerspace to host grand opening

SHAK Makerspace will celebrate the
opening of its new downtown location with a grand opening celebration and
ribbon cutting on Wednesday, Sept. 27.

SHAK Makerspace first opened in February
2016 on the northside. Looking for more space in a central location, the
facility relocated to 210 W. Monroe St.

“There’s an arts movement building
downtown, so naturally it’s where SHAK Makerspace needs to be,” said Susan
Alexander, manager of the Greater Kokomo Downtown Association and board member
of SHAK Makerspace. “Being downtown and in the heart of the city would also
make us more accessible. We hope this move will increase awareness of this
valuable community amenity.”

The Monroe Street building had sat empty
for three years and required significant remodeling to accommodate the
makerspace, she said.

In addition to the work of volunteers, the
renovation included an Eagle Scout project from Thomas Bragg, member of Boy Scout
Troop 527. Bragg coordinated a building façade renovation that benefited the
makerspace as well as the whole neighborhood as the property had become
overgrown.

The project also saw the construction of a
10X40 outdoor deck.

“This deck will allow for a gathering
space and outdoor workshop,” Alexander said. “We have found that there’s a
social aspect to create thriving makerspaces, and this deck will help us
accomplish that.”

The Makerspace opened in its new facility
in August and has since added a number of new initiatives, including public
maker and teacher events held monthly and a Maker City book club. Also since
opening, an exhibit of work from SHAK makers has been on display at the IU
Kokomo Union Street Gallery. Also, Geek Street will soon be filming new shows
at SHAK Makerspace.

“Even though we are hosting an official
grand opening on Sept. 27, SHAK Makerspace hit the ground running in its new
location and is already making an impact,” Nancy Braun, president of the SHAK
Makerspace board. “We invite the community to attend the grand opening and see
what a maker community is all about.”

The Sept. 27 event kicks off at 4:30 p.m.
with a Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting, followed at 4:45 p.m.
with a Maker City Proclamation read by Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight.

Starting at 6 p.m., those attending the
event will have a chance to tour the facility and meet local makers.

The community is invited to the free
event, and refreshments will be served.